2024 Mineral Resource Estimate and Ore Reserves - Updated
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
23 September 2024
2024 MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE AND ORE RESERVES
(UPDATED)
Westgold Resources Limited (ASX: WGX; TSX: WGX; OTCQX: WGXRF) – (Westgold or the
Company) attaches an updated version of its 2024 Mineral Resource Estimate and Ore Reserves
announcement which was released to the market on Monday, 16 September 2024.
The Southern Goldfields Gold Operations table on page 4 has been revised to correct
typographical errors. Additionally, the collar positions for South Junction holes 24BLDD066 and
24SJDD021_W2 on page 36 have been included.
- END -
This announcement is authorised for release by the Managing Director of
Westgold Resources Limited.
Investor and media relations enquiries
Investor Relations
Kasun Liyanaarachchi | Investor Relations Manager
investor.relations@westgold.com.au
+61 458 564 483
Westgold Resources Limited
ABN 60 009 260 306
ASX: WGX / TSX: WGX / OTC: WGXRF
Media
Peter Knight | Communications Manager
peter.knight@westgold.com.au
+61 459 980 481
westgold.com.au
T: +61 8 9462 3400
E: perth.reception@westgold.com.au
Level 6, 200 St Georges Terrace
Perth WA 6000
PO Box 7068, Cloisters Square WA 6850
ASX Announcement
23 September 2024
2024 MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE AND ORE RESERVES - UPDATED
Reserve and Resource growth by drilling and through merger
Perth, Western Australia, 23 September 2024: Westgold Resources Limited (ASX:
WGX, TSX: WGX, OTCQX: WGXRF – Westgold or the Company) is pleased to provide
its updated Mineral Resource Estimate and Ore Reserve Statement calculated as of
30 June 2024.
Group Gold Mineral Resource
Estimate and Ore Reserves
On 30 June 2024 1
Total Mineral Resource Estimate
179Mt at 2.29g/t Au for 13.2Moz of gold
Total Ore Reserves
50Mt at 2.05g/t Au for 3.3Moz of gold
0F
Highlights
Investment in Murchison exploration in FY23 and FY24 has delivered the first
increase in Ore Reserves post depletion since FY17.
60% increase in Group Mineral Resource Estimate from FY23 - now 13.2Moz
post-merger and mining depletion (FY23 – 8Moz).
12% increase year on year in Mineral Resources of Murchison operating gold
mines, including:
§
170% increase at Bluebird – South Junction to 960koz; and
§
41% increase at Starlight to 590koz.
69% increase in Group Ore Reserve Estimate from FY23 - now 3.3Moz postmerger and mining depletion.
10% increase year on year in the Ore Reserves of operating gold mines in the
Murchison including:
§
133% increase at Bluebird – South Junction to 277koz.
Nineteen drill rigs operating across the 3200km2 portfolio
1 Southern Goldfields Reserves and Resources are as at 1 August 2024, corresponding to the merger completion
Westgold Resources Limited
ABN 60 009 260 306
ASX: WGX | TSX: WGX | OTC: WGXRF
T: +61 8 9462 3400
E: perth.reception@westgold.com.au
W: westgold.com.au
Level 6, 200 St Georges Terrace
Perth WA 6000
PO Box 7068, Cloisters Square WA 6850
Westgold Managing Director Wayne Bramwell commented:
“Westgold is growing our business both organically and inorganically.
Drilling investment over FY23 and FY24 has delivered the first increase in Murchison Ore
Reserves since 2017. On an inorganic basis the integration of the Southern Goldfields assets has
lifted our Mineral Resource base to 13.2Moz and Ore Reserves to 3.3Moz.
Resource conversion across the portfolio is our focus and opportunities are abundant. The
Starlight mine continues to grow in stature, the Bluebird-South Junction complex continues to
grow in scale, and through drilling, the emerging Fletcher Zone at Beta Hunt will reveal its true
potential. On an exploration front, the Higginsville area has seen limited attention for over a
decade and is wide open for exploration success.
Westgold today has 19 drill rigs operating across our portfolio and this investment will continue
to unlock value from our 3,200km2 of tenure across two of Western Australia’s most productive
goldfields.”
2024 Mineral Resource Estimate
As of 30 June 2024, the total gold Mineral Resource estimate for the Westgold business was
179Mt at 2.29g/t Au for 13.2Moz of gold 2.
1F
This represents 60% growth in the Company’s gold Mineral Resource base year on year
underpinned by both a continued significant campaign of exploration and resource definition
drilling over FY24 (investing $25M on top of the $19M invested in FY23) and the integration of the
Southern Goldfields assets of Karora Resources Inc. (Karora) into the enlarged Westgold (refer
Figure 1).
2.29
2.39
2.10
9,857
2.11
2.17
2.14
2.22
13,160
2.24
4,650
9,345
9,118
8,799
7,947
7,940
8,250
8,511
FY17
FY18
FY19
Resource Grade (g/t)
FY20
FY21
Southern Goldfields Resource (Koz)
FY22
FY23
FY24
Murchison Resource (Koz)
Figure 1 – Westgold has achieved Mineral Resource growth in FY23 and FY24. 3
2F
2 Southern Goldfields Reserves and Resources are as at 1 August 2024, corresponding to the merger completion
3 FY17 – FY23 Resources completed under JORC code only
2024 Mineral Resource Estimate and Ore Reserves
23 September 2024
2
The exploration and resource definition drilling completed over FY24 has contributed to a 440koz
(12%) increase in the Mineral Resources of our operating mines in the Murchison (4,056koz)
compared to FY23.
The Murchison Operations incorporate the Bluebird, Tuckabianna and Fortnum processing hubs
while the Southern Goldfields Operations incorporate the Lakewood and Higginsville processing
hubs.
Tables 1, 2 and 3 below depict the FY24 Mineral Resource Estimates for the Murchison and
Southern Goldfields Operations.
2024 Mineral Resource Estimate and Ore Reserves
23 September 2024
3
Table 1 – Gold Mineral Resource Estimates at 30 June 2024 for Westgold Operating Mines.
Murchison Gold Operations
Mineral Resource Statement - Rounded for Reporting
30/06/2024
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred
Total
Operating Mine
Tonnes
('000s)
Grade
Ounces
Au ('000s)
Tonnes
('000s)
Grade
Ounces
Au ('000s)
Tonnes
('000s)
Grade
Ounces
Au ('000s)
Tonnes
('000s)
Grade
Ounces
Au ('000s)
Tonnes
('000s)
Grade
Ounces
Au ('000s)
Big Bell UG
4,022
3.07
397
7,965
3.33
853
11,988
3.24
1,250
5,927
3.11
593
17,914
3.20
1,842
Fender UG
95
3.22
10
201
3.05
20
297
3.10
30
345
3.33
37
642
3.23
67
Great Fingall UG
0
0.00
0
1,616
5.25
273
1,616
5.25
273
883
3.51
100
2,499
4.64
372
Golden Crown UG
0
0.00
0
333
6.18
66
333
6.18
66
944
5.14
156
1,277
5.41
222
Bluebird Group UG
304
4.09
40
4,368
3.03
425
4,672
3.10
465
6,032
2.55
495
10,705
2.79
960
Starlight UG
881
4.01
114
1,973
3.44
218
2,854
3.62
332
2,588
3.13
260
5,442
3.38
592
Total
5,303
3.29
561
16,457
3.51
1,855
21,760
3.45
2,415
16,719
3.05
1,641
38,479
3.28
4,056
Southern Goldfields Gold Operations
Mineral Resource Statement - Rounded for Reporting
1/08/2024
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred
Total
Tonnes
('000s)
Grade
Ounces
Au ('000s)
Tonnes
('000s)
Grade
Ounces
Au ('000s)
Tonnes
('000s)
Grade
Ounces
Au ('000s)
Tonnes
('000s)
Grade
Ounces
Au ('000s)
Tonnes
('000s)
Grade
Ounces
Au ('000s)
24
1.55
1
1,141
2.32
85
1,165
2.30
86
184
2.78
16
1,349
2.37
103
Pioneer
0
0.00
0
519
2.11
35
519
2.11
35
345
1.50
17
864
1.87
52
Beta Hunt
1,142
2.79
102
16,581
2.74
1,458
17,723
2.74
1,561
12,860
2.63
1,086
30,583
2.69
2,647
Total
1,166
2.76
104
18,241
2.69
1,579
19,407
2.70
1,682
13,388
2.60
1,119
32,795
2.66
2,801
Operating Mine
Two Boys
2024 Mineral Resource Estimate and Ore Reserves
23 September 2024
4
Table 2 – Gold Mineral Resource Estimates at 30 June 2024 for Westgold Non-Operating Projects.
Murchison Gold Operations
Mineral Resource Statement - Rounded for Reporting
30/06/2024
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred
Total
Tonnes
('000s)
Grade
Ounces
Au ('000s)
Tonnes
('000s)
Grade
Ounces
Au ('000s)
Tonnes
('000s)
Grade
Ounces
Au
('000s)
68
861
2.65
73
1,848
2.94
175
2,709
2.85
248
84
1,685
1.63
88
597
1.50
29
2,282
1.59
117
2.04
70
1,126
2.02
73
1,043
1.78
60
2,169
1.91
133
3,448
2.78
308
3,715
2.84
339
2,899
2.63
245
6,614
2.75
584
3,627
0.70
81
3,709
0.73
87
0
0.00
0
3,709
0.73
87
97
1.98
6
97
1.98
6
75
2.11
5
172
2.04
11
6
859
2.06
57
927
2.09
62
340
2.26
25
1,267
2.14
87
44
10,641
1.65
564
11,017
1.72
608
2,574
1.93
160
13,591
1.76
768
52
3,225
2.58
267
3,656
2.72
319
9,191
2.54
750
12,846
2.59
1,069
2.59
4
4,128
1.47
195
4,181
1.49
200
5,879
1.40
265
10,060
1.44
464
1.34
15
0
0.00
0
350
1.34
15
0
0.00
0
350
1.34
15
332
2.67
28
2,951
2.08
197
3,282
2.14
226
618
1.88
37
3,900
2.10
263
0
0.00
0
1,266
2.09
85
1,266
2.09
85
183
1.43
8
1,449
2.01
93
Peak Hill
0
0.00
0
7,547
1.55
376
7,547
1.55
376
1,838
1.78
105
9,385
1.60
481
FGO Stockpiles
723
0.95
22
481
0.69
11
1,204
0.85
33
16
0.54
0
1,220
0.84
33
Total
2,884
2.39
221
41,741
1.77
2,370
44,625
1.81
2,591
27,100
2.14
1,864
71,724
1.93
4,455
Tonnes
('000s)
Grade
Ounces
Au ('000s)
Tonnes
('000s)
Grade
Ounces
Au ('000s)
Big Bell District
60
2.81
Cuddingwarra
85
1.66
5
802
2.64
5
1,600
1.63
Day Dawn District
58
1.73
3
1,068
Tuckabianna
Tuckabianna Stockpiles
267
3.54
30
81
2.09
5
Meekatharra North
0
0.00
0
Nannine
68
2.55
Paddy's Flat
376
3.67
Reedy's
430
3.77
Yaloginda District
53
Bluebird Stockpiles
350
Fortnum District
Horseshoe
Project
2024 Mineral Resource Estimate and Ore Reserves
23 September 2024
5
Southern Goldfields Gold Operations
Mineral Resource Statement - Rounded for Reporting
1/08/2024
Measured
Tonnes
('000s)
HGO Central
HGO Greater
Indicated
Grade
Ounces
Au ('000s)
Tonnes
('000s)
931
2.94
88
466
3.00
45
Mt Henry
11,042
1.19
HGO Stockpiles
373
BHO Stockpiles
47
12,859
Project
Total
Measured and Indicated
Grade
Ounces
Au ('000s)
Tonnes
('000s)
2,442
2.74
215
2,799
2.79
251
424
10,172
1.16
0.40
5
1,568
2.09
3
0
1.37
565
16,981
Inferred
Grade
Ounces
Au ('000s)
Tonnes
('000s)
3,373
2.80
303
3,265
2.82
296
378
21,214
1.18
0.76
38
1,940
0.00
0
47
1.62
882
29,840
Total
Grade
Ounces
Au ('000s)
Tonnes
('000s)
Grade
Ounces
Au ('000s)
1,519
2.91
142
4,892
2.83
445
1,999
2.39
154
5,264
2.66
450
802
2,565
1.28
106
23,779
1.19
907
0.69
43
0
0.00
0
1,940
0.69
43
2.09
3
0
0.00
0
47
2.09
3
1.51
1,447
6,083
2.05
402
35,923
1.60
1,849
Table 3 – Nickel Mineral Resource Estimates at 1 August 2024 for Beta Hunt.
Beta Hunt Nickel Operations
Mineral Resource Statement - Rounded for Reporting
1/08/2024
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred
Total
Tonnes
('000s)
Ni (%)
NiT
('000s)
Tonnes
('000s)
Ni (%)
NiT
('000s)
Tonnes
('000s)
Ni (%)
NiT
('000s)
Tonnes
('000s)
Ni (%)
NiT
('000s)
Tonnes
('000s)
Ni (%)
NiT
('000s)
Beta Hunt
0
0.0%
0
749
2.8%
21
749
2.8%
21
499
2.7%
13
1,248
2.8%
35
Total
0
0.0%
0
749
2.8%
21
749
2.8%
21
499
2.7%
13
1,248
2.8%
35
Project
See Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4 for location details. Additional detailed information relating to generation of the Mineral Resource Estimates is
attached in Appendix B & C Table 1 – JORC 2012 Reporting Criteria.
2024 Mineral Resource Estimate and Ore Reserves
23 September 2024
6
Figure 2 - Murchison Operations Project Areas (Bluebird & Tuckabianna).
2024 Mineral Resource Estimate and Ore Reserves
23 September 2024
Figure 3 - Murchison Operations Project Areas (Fortnum)
2024 Mineral Resource Estimate and Ore Reserves
23 September 2024
8
Figure 4 – Southern Goldfields Operations Project Area.
Material year-on-year changes to the Westgold gold Mineral Resource Estimate include:
■
■
Integration of the Karora Mineral Resources into the enlarged Westgold:
o
Beta Hunt Operations (+2.6Moz); and
o
Higginsville Gold Operations (+2Moz).
Routine mining depletions and ongoing resource development contributed to a
440koz collective increase in Westgold’s Mineral Resources for active mines in the
Murchison, including:
o
Bluebird - South Junction (+606oz);
o
Big Bell (-185oz); and
o
Starlight (+173koz);
2024 Mineral Resource Estimate and Ore Reserves
23 September 2024
9
■
Offset by assessment and development legacy resources in peripheral project areas,
including:
o
Paddy’s Flat (-89koz)
The year-on-year gold Mineral Resource Estimate inventory change is shown in Figure 5.
4,650
8,250
8,510
245
FY23 Mineral Depletion
Resource
43
Stockpile
changes
548
Res. Dev
activity
& model
updates
Mineral Resource (koz)
13,160
FY24
Southern FY24 Mineral
Murchison Operations Resource
Mineral
Resource
Figure 5 – Mineral Resource substantially increased through merger.
Geology
Murchison
The Meekatharra Gold operation is located in the Achaean Murchison Province, a granitegreenstone terrane in the northwest of the Yilgarn Craton. Greenstone belts trending northnortheast are separated by granite-gneiss domes, with smaller granite plutons also present
within or on the margins of the belts.
The Paddy’s Flat area is located on the western limb of a regional fold, the Polelle Syncline, within
a sequence of mafic to ultramafic volcanics with minor interflow sediments and banded ironformation. The sequence has also been intruded by felsic porphyry dykes prior to mineralisation.
Mineralisation is located along four sub-parallel trends at Paddy’s Flat and can be comprised of
sulphide replacement BIF hosted gold, quartz vein hosted shear-related gold and quartzcarbonate-sulphide stockwork vein and alteration related gold.
The Yaloginda area which hosts Bluebird – South Junction, is a gold-bearing Archaean greenstone
belt situated ~15km south of Meekatharra. The deposits in the area are hosted in a strained and
metamorphosed volcanic sequence that consists primarily of ultramafic and high-magnesium
basalt with minor komatiite, peridotite, gabbro, tholeiitic basalt and interflow sediments.
2024 Mineral Resource Estimate and Ore Reserves
23 September 2024
10
The sequence was intruded by a variety of felsic porphyry and intermediate sills and dykes.
The Reedy’s mining district is located approximately 50 km to the south-east to Meekatharra and
to the south of Lake Annean. The Reedy gold deposits occur within a north-south trending
greenstone belt, two to five kilometres wide, composed of volcano-sedimentary sequences and
separated multiphase syn- and post-tectonic granitoid complexes.
The Cue Gold Operations are located in the Achaean Murchison Province, a granite-greenstone
terrane in the northwest of the Yilgarn Craton. Greenstone belts trending north-northeast are
separated by granite-gneiss domes, with smaller granite plutons also present within or on the
margins of the belts.
Mineralisation at Big Bell is hosted in the shear zone (Mine Sequence) and is associated with the
post-peak metamorphic retrograde assemblages. Stibnite, native antimony and trace
arsenopyrite are disseminated through the K-feldspar-rich lode schist. These are intergrown with
pyrite and pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite. Mineralisation outside the typical Big Bell host rocks
(KPSH), for example 1,600N and Shocker, also display a very strong W-As-Sb geochemical halo.
Numerous gold deposits occur within the Cuddingwarra Project area, the majority of which are
hosted within the central mafic-ultramafic ± felsic porphyry sequence. Within this broad
framework, mineralisation is shown to be spatially controlled by competency contrasts across,
and flexures along, layer-parallel D2 shear zones, and is maximised when transected by
corridors of northeast striking D3 faults and fractures.
The Great Fingall Dolerite hosts the majority gold mineralisation within the portion of the
greenstone belt proximal to Cue (the Day Dawn Project Area). Unit AGF3 is the most brittle of all
the five units and this characteristic is responsible for its role as the most favourable lithological
host to gold mineralisation in the Greenstone Belt.
The Fortnum deposits are Paleoproterozoic shear-hosted gold deposits within the Fortnum
Wedge, a localised thrust duplex of Narracoota Formation within the overlying Ravelstone
Formation. Both stratigraphic formations comprise part of the Bryah Basin in the Capricorn
Orogen, Western Australia.
The Horseshoe Cassidy deposits are hosted within the Ravelstone Formation (siltstone and
argillite) and Narracoota Formation (highly altered, moderate to strongly deformed mafic to
ultramafic rocks). The main zone of mineralisation is developed within a horizon of highly altered
magnesian basalt. Gold mineralisation is associated with strong vein stock works that are
confined to the altered mafic. Alteration consists of two types: stockwork proximal silicacarbonate-fuchsite-haematite-pyrite and distal silica-haematite-carbonate+/- chlorite.
The Peak Hill district represents remnants of a Proterozoic fold belt comprising highly deformed
trough and shelf sediments and mafic / ultramafic volcanics, which are generally moderately
metamorphosed (except for the Peak Hill Metamorphic Suite).
2024 Mineral Resource Estimate and Ore Reserves
23 September 2024
11
Southern Goldfields
The Beta Hunt Gold Operations are situated within the central portion of the Norseman-Wiluna
greenstone belt in a sequence of mafic / ultramafic and felsic rocks on the southwest flank of the
Kambalda Dome. Gold mineralisation occurs mainly in subvertical shear zones in the Lunnon
Basalt and is characterised by shear and extensional quartz veining within a halo of biotite/pyrite
alteration. Within these shear zones, coarse gold sometimes occurs where the shear zones
intersect iron-rich sulphidic metasediments in the Lunnon Basalt or nickel sulphides at the base
of the Kambalda Komatiite (ultramafics). The mineralised shears are represented by A-Zone,
Western Flanks, Larkin and Mason zones.
The Higginsville Gold Operation is located in the Eastern Goldfields Superterrane of the Archean
Yilgarn Craton. The bulk of the Higginsville tenement package is located almost entirely within
the well-mineralised Kalgoorlie Terrane, between the gold mining centres of Norseman and
StIves. HGO can be sub-divided into seven major geological domains: Trident Line of Lode,
Chalice, Lake Cowan, Southern Paleo-channels, Mt Henry, Polar Bear Group and Spargo’s
Project area.
Majority of mineralisation along the Trident Line of Lode are hosted within the Poseidon gabbro
and high-MgO dyke complexes in the south. The Poseidon Gabbro is a thick, weaklydifferentiated gabbroic sill, which strikes north-south and dips 60° to the east, is over 500 m thick
and 2.5 km long. The mineralisation is hosted within or marginal to quartz veining and is
structurally and lithologically controlled.
The Chalice Deposit is located within a north-south trending, 2 km to 3 km wide greenstone
terrane, flanked on the west calc-alkaline granitic rocks of the Boorabin Batholith and to the east
by the Pioneer Dome Batholith. The dominant unit that hosts gold mineralisation is a fine grained,
weak to strongly foliated amphibole-plagioclase amphibolite, with a typically lepidoblastic
(mineralogically aligned and banded) texture. It is west-dipping and generally steep,
approximately 60° to 75°.
The Lake Cowan project area is situated near the centre of a regional anticline between the
Zuleika and Lefroy faults, with the local geology of the area made more complex by the intrusion
of the massive Proterozoic Binneringie dyke. The majority of mineralisation at the Lake Cowan
Mining Centre is hosted within an enclave of Archaean material surrounded by the Binneringie
dyke.
Mineralised zones within the Southern Paleo Channels network comprise both placer gold,
normally near the base of the channel-fill sequences, and chemically-precipitated secondary
gold within the channel-fill materials and underlying saprolite. These gold concentrations
commonly overlie, or are adjacent to, primary mineralised zones within Archaean bedrock.
The Mount Henry Project covers 347km2 of the prolific South Norseman-Wiluna Greenstone belt
of the Eastern Goldfields in Western Australia. Although the greenstone rocks from the
Norseman area can be broadly correlated with those of the Kalgoorlie – Kambalda region they
form a distinct terrain which is bounded on all sides by major regional shears. The Norseman
Terrane has prominent banded iron formations which distinguish it from the Kalgoorlie–
2024 Mineral Resource Estimate and Ore Reserves
23 September 2024
12
Kambalda Terrane. The Mount Henry gold deposit is hosted by a silicate facies BIF unit within the
Noganyer Formation. Gold mineralisation is predominantly hosted by the silicate facies BIF unit
but is also associated with minor meta-basalt and dolerite units that were mostly emplaced in
the BIF prior to mineralisation. The footwall to the BIF is characterised by a sedimentary
schistose unit and the hanging wall by the overlying dolerites of the Woolyeener Formation. The
Mount Henry gold deposit is classified as an Archean, orogenic shear hosted deposit. The main
lode is an elongated, shear-hosted body, 1.9km long by 6 – 10 metres wide and dips 65-75
degrees towards the west.
The Polar Bear project is situated within the Archaean Norseman-Wiluna Belt which locally
includes basalts, komatiites, metasediments, and felsic volcaniclastics. The primary gold
mineralisation is related to hydrothermal activity during multiple deformation events. Indications
are that gold mineralisation is focused on or near to the stratigraphic boundary between the
Killaloe and Buldania Formation.
The Spargo’s Project occurs within Coolgardie Domain of the Kalgoorlie Terrane. The area is
bounded by the Zuleika Shear to the east and the Kunanalling Shear to the west. The geological
setting comprises tightly-folded north-south striking ultramafic and mafic volcanic rocks at the
northern closure Widgiemooltha Dome. The project lies on the general trend of the Kunanalling /
Karramindie Shear corridor, a regional shear zone that hosts significant mineralisation to the
north at Ghost Crab (Mount Marion), Wattle Dam to the south, the Penfolds group and
Kunanalling. The regional prospective Zuleika Shear lies to the east of the project. The tenements
are prospective for vein and shear hosted gold deposits as demonstrated by Spargo’s Reward
and numerous other gold workings and occurrences. Gold mineralisation at Spargo’s Reward is
hosted by a coarse-grained pyrite-arsenopyrite lode in quartz-sericite schists, between strongly
biotitic altered greywacke to the east and quartz-sericite-fuchsite-pyrite altered felsic tuff to the
west. Gold mineralisation is associated with very little quartz veining which is atypical for many
deposits in region. The Spargo’s Reward setting has been described variously as a low-quartz
sulphidic mesothermal gold system or as a Hemlo style syn-sedimentary occurrence.
Background to the Mineral Resource Estimate
Geological interpretation of individual deposits is carried out using a systematic approach to
ensure that the resultant estimated Mineral Resource Estimate was both sufficiently
constrained, and representative of the expected sub-surface conditions. In all aspects of Mineral
Resource Estimation, the factual and interpreted geology was used to guide the development of
the interpretation. Geological matrixes were established to assist with interpretation and
construction of the estimation domains.
A significant portion of the data used in Mineral Resource Estimations has been gathered from
diamond core. Multiple sizes have been used. This core is geologically logged and subsequently
halved for sampling. Grade control holes may be whole-cored to streamline the core handling
process if required. Face sampling data is also utilised, where each development face / round is
horizontally chip sampled. The sampling intervals are domained by geological constraints (e.g.
rock type, veining and alteration / sulphidation etc.).
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All geology input is logged and validated by the relevant area geologists, incorporated into this is
assessment of sample recovery. No defined relationship exists between sample recovery and
grade. Nor has sample bias due to preferential loss or gain of fine or coarse material been noted.
Faces are nominally chipped horizontally across the face from left to right, sub-set via geological
features as appropriate. Diamond drilling is half-core niche sampled, sub-set via geological
features as appropriate.
Samples undergo fine pulverisation of the entire sample by an LM5 type mill to achieve a 75µ
product prior to splitting. QA/QC is currently ensured during the sub-sampling stages process
via the use of the systems of an independent NATA / ISO accredited laboratory contractor. The
sample size is considered appropriate for the grain size of the material being sampled. The unsampled half of diamond core is retained for check sampling if required.
Sampling is analysed for gold by fire assay as outlined below;
•
A 40g – 50g sample undergoes fire assay lead collection followed by flame atomic
adsorption spectrometry.
•
Quality control is ensured via the use of standards, blanks and duplicates. The laboratory
includes a minimum of 1 project standard with every 22 samples analysed. No significant
QA/QC issues have arisen in recent drilling results.
Photon Assay was introduced in 2023 for Beta Hunt gold grade control samples. PhotonAssay™
technology (Chrysos Corporation Limited) is a rapid, non-destructive analysis of gold and other
elements in mineral samples. It is based on the principle of gamma activation, which uses high
energy x-rays to excite changes to the nuclear structure of selected elements. The decay is then
measured to give a gold analysis. Each sample is run through two cycles with a radiation time of
15s. This methodology is insensitive to material type and thus does not require fluxing chemicals
as in the fire assay methodology.
Nickel analyses have been completed by 4 acid digest and final analysis using ICP-OES.
After validating the drillhole data to be used in the estimation, interpretation of the orebody is
undertaken to create the outline strings which form the basis of the three-dimensional orebody
wireframe. Wireframing is then carried out using a combination of automated stitching
algorithms and manual triangulation to create an accurate three-dimensional representation of
the sub-surface mineralised body.
Drillhole intersections within the mineralised body are defined, these intersections are then used
to flag the appropriate sections of the drillhole database tables for compositing purposes.
Drillholes are subsequently composited to allow for grade estimation. In all aspects of resource
estimation, the factual and interpreted geology was used to guide the development of the
interpretation.
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Once the sample data has been composited, a statistical analysis is undertaken to assist with
determining estimation search parameters, top-cuts etc. Analysis of individual domains is
undertaken to assist with determining appropriate search parameters. Which are then
incorporated with observed geological and geometrical features to determine the most
appropriate search parameters.
An empty block model is then created for the area of interest. This model contains attributes set
at background values for the various elements of interest as well as density, and various
estimation parameters that are subsequently used to assist in resource categorisation. The
block sizes used in the model will vary depending on orebody geometry, minimum mining units,
estimation parameters and levels of informing data available.
Grade estimation is then undertaken. Ordinary kriging estimation method is considered as
standard. Estimation results are validated against primary input data, previous estimates and
mining output.
The Mineral Resource is then depleted for mining voids and subsequently classified in line with
JORC guidelines utilising a combination of various estimation derived parameters and geological
/ mining knowledge.
Data spacing is variable dependent upon the individual lode under consideration.
This approach considers all relevant factors and reflects the Competent Person’s view of the
deposit.
The cut off grades used for the reporting of the Mineral Resources Estimates is selected based
upon the style of mineralisation, depth from surface of the mineralisation and the most probable
extraction technique and associated costs.
Likely mining approaches have been considered at the domaining, estimation and classification
steps. However, no mining dilution or ore loss has been modelled in the resource model or
applied to the reported Mineral Resource Estimate. Nor has metallurgical recovery been applied
to the reported Mineral Resource Estimate. These factors are applied during the Ore Reserve
generation process.
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Figure 6 – Big Bell Mineral Resource Schematic FY24.
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Figure 7 – Fender Mineral Resource Schematic FY24.
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Figure 8 – Great Fingall Mineral Resource Schematic FY24.
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Figure 9 – Bluebird – South Junction Mineral Resource Schematic FY24.
Figure 10 – Starlight Mineral Resource Schematic FY24.
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Figure 11 – Beta Hunt Mineral Resource Schematic FY24.
2024 Mineral Resource Estimate and
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